PSI Texas State Board Nail Tech practice exam

Which of the following gives the skin form and strength?

1. Keratin

2. Collagen

3. Elastin

4. Melanin

The correct answer is: Collagen

Collagen is the primary structural protein found in the skin, making it crucial for providing both form and strength. It acts as a scaffold, giving skin its structure and firmness, which helps maintain its elasticity and resilience. As the most abundant protein in the body, collagen aids in the skin's ability to withstand stretching and contributes to its overall youthful appearance. Understanding the roles of the other options can provide clarity on why they do not fulfill the same function. Keratin, for instance, is a protein that primarily forms the structure of hair, nails, and the outer layer of skin, but it does not provide the same level of strength or form as collagen. Elastin is responsible for the skin's elasticity, allowing it to stretch and then return to its original shape, but does not directly contribute to overall firmness. Melanin, on the other hand, is the pigment that gives skin its color and protects against UV radiation but has no role in providing form or structural integrity. Thus, collagen stands out as the key element that ensures the skin has the necessary form and strength.